Shibli emphasises industry-academia linkages

Islamabad : Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz has emphasised linkages between industry and academia to help the economy grow and said his ministry would facilitate it.

He was addressing the 12th open house and careers fair organised by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of International Islamic University (IIU). Students exhibited more than 100 innovative projects at the 12th open house and careers.

The minister said youth are a ray of hope and a guarantee of a bright future. He said that interest and performance of youth in Engineering and Technology is a positive omen.

He said his ministry was focusing on promotion of applied research and was keen to build linkages among industry, education sector and the government.

Projects showcased included solar and formula cars, an advanced application-based operable wheelchair, eye technology, a healthcare monitoring system, an electric wheelchair, smart energy meters, a water distribution system and power generation projects. The students apprised the visitors about their projects to the invigilators, representatives of industry and chief guests. The projects were also viewed and analyzed by industrialists and engineering experts, who chose students for career-building.

The ceremony was also attended by DGHRD Nescom Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Javed and Member Technical KRL Dr. Abdul Qayyum.

The grand ceremony was also addressed by President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce Sardar Yasir Ilyas, who said Pakistan has 55% youth, if utilised, can bring prosperity and progress.

He called for addressing the disconnect between academia and industry and role of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce in this regard. He said research and commercialisation must be the top priorities at the universities. He said that the approach of job seeking should be replaced with job creation.

IIU rector Prof Dr Masoom Yasinzai called for better interaction between students of technology and engineering and the industry and said those links could resolve bilateral issues.

"Linkage of academia and focus on knowledge economy are the key elements to solve our issues," he said.

The rector said that IIU is travelling towards new heights and IIU President has informed that the university will soon have 15 foreign faculty members through a sponsorship by Imam Muhamamd Ibn Saud University, Saudi Arabia.

He also said that a number of new patents through the incubation centre of IIUI have been processed.

The rector said the university was set to launch its ODL and online learning system through which courses in various 90 programs shall be offered soon.

IIU president Dr. Hathal Homou Alotaibi in his address briefed about the introduction, role, scope, objectives and future aims of the university.

He said the university is set to advance towards the destination of success through new initiatives such as inclusion of foreign faculty, distance learning and online short courses and new strategic plan. "Our new strategic plan will pave the way to achieve lofty goals."